The City of Killeen has officially joined the ranks of Texas communities recognized for their dedication to local music scenes. As announced by Governor Greg Abbott, Killeen completed the multi-step process to become the 74th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, a distinction established by the Texas Music Office (TMO) to foster music business-related economic development. "Congratulations to the City of Killeen on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation," Governor Abbott said, lauding the city for its efforts in attracting and developing the local music industry to boost job creation and economic growth. According to Abbott's statement released by the Governor's Office, the Texas music industry supports over 196,000 jobs and generates more than $31.7 billion annually.
Local representatives have voiced their support and enthusiasm for the designation. "Being named a Music Friendly Texas Community will allow the city to share their musical gifts with so many across the state and nation and harness valuable economic development opportunities," said Representative Brad Buckley in a statement to the Governor's Office. Killeen Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Gonzalez also praised the city's achievement, stating, "This recognition honors our rich, cultural diversity, the creativity of our local artists past, present, and future, and the power of music to bring people together."
The official certification ceremony is set to take place during the Motown in Downtown Music Festival in downtown Killeen, where city officials and community leaders will converge this Saturday. TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro is expected to present the designation during this celebration of Killeen's cultural vibrancy and its future potential as a music hub. The event details were confirmed by Janell J. Lewis Ford, Killeen’s Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, as reported by the Governor's Office.
Community members and artists have shared their perspectives on what this designation means for Killeen. Jovino Gutierrez, a local committee member, noted, "One, a city that sings and dances together stays together and unites the city and music talents under the music umbrella." Gutierrez's comments were echoed by Antonio Noriega, another committee member, who saw the certification as "truly a blessing." He told the Governor's Office, "Making Killeen a music-forward city has been a dream of mine since childhood, growing up here and organizing events to support our local music community." These voices collectively echo the larger ambition to further cultivate the artistic and economic landscapes of Killeen through this new chapter in its musical journey.
